In this addition to the Battleground World War Two series, Major (retired) Tim Kilvert-Jones focuses on the action by 3rd British Infantry Division and attached units at Sword Beach from D-Day 6th June 1944 to the fall of Caen in July 1944. Following the structure of his previous work in the series Omaha Beach, the author draws on both memoirs and extensive interviews with veterans to create a dynamic guide to book this fascinating story of undaunted courage, and dashed hopes. Caen was the pivotal main objective for General Montgomery's invasion plan.The 3rd Division's failure to capture the city on 6th June lead to major recriminations during and after the war as former allied commanders and other vested interests argued the causes of failure. The truth is as always simpler than the arguments and recriminations. While still struggling to establish a secure beachhead on D-Day. The division was attached by powerful elements of 21st Panzer division. This was the only effective armoured counterattack mounted by the Germans during the invasion phase. The result was a devastating defeat for the Panzers under the combined arms guns of the 3rd Division, but vital hours had been lost and the Germans were given the time to defend the City. Sword Beach is 3rd Division's unique D-Day story and analyses subsequent events up to 10th July in a clear, easy to follow style that makes it a vital book for armchair strategists, military students and tourists visiting the historic Normandy coast.

With the multitude of books relating to the broad story of D Day, titles which focus in depth on the specific beaches - and specifically the British and Canadian beaches - are welcome. If you have an interest in the landings at Sword Beach on 6th June 1944, and are planning a visit to the area to see where the actions took place, then this book is certainly worth obtaining.

A fine and full account by a former soldier of the action on and around one of D-day's five invasion beaches - Sword - which culminated in the hard-fought thrust towards Caen by Britain's 3rd Infantry Division and the 27th Armoured Brigade. Indispensable for all students of the Normandy campaign

Naval & Military Press

I used this book as I accompanied veterans from the 3rd Division to Normandy. It is clearly written and easy to follow. Avery useful tool.

Amazon Reviewer

A must read if you are going to the Normandy beaches full of information of where to go and what to see a very good read for 2nd world war enthusiasts.

Amazon Reviewer

As my father landed on Sword beach on D-Day I found lots of interesting facts in a well written style,plus many good photographs

Amazon Reviewer

My father landed on sword beach on D Day, he seldom mentioned that part of his war service other than seeing his mate Ginge blow up in front of him as they went ashore in their Bren Gun Carriers. I found this book extremely interesting and informative, the route taken by the 3rd Battalion and the obstacles they overcame. It is clear to see how they didn't quite make Caan as hoped. I would urge anybody interested in D Day to read this book. It made me proud and yet humbled to read of what they endured and achieved in those early days of June.

Amazon Reviewer

Kilvert-Jones combines an intellectual grasp of the strategic, operational and tactical context of 3rd Division's assault landing at SWORD Beach on 6 June 1944 with the personal and vivid recollections of those who were there. This guide is informative and easily read as an account in its own right; carried with you on tour it is essential material. Photographs, sketches and maps provide detail and assists an individual to tour without a personal guide and discover the important detail of the ground and the actions on that day whilst retaining an overview of higher command and the actions elsewhere in Normandy and beyond. This in an authoritative work by an obvious expert written in an easy style in a most helpful format.

Amazon Reviewer

Another excellent addition to the Battleground Europe series of books. A lot of information packed into a handy size book. I recommend this series of books to anyone from the serious historian to the merely curious.